CTAR’s Updated Coronavirus Guidance

Out of concern for the continued safety of our members, staff and leadership, the CTAR, CHS MLS and SCCMLS building will remain closed with the majority of staff operations continuing virtually until further notice.

As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue business as usual from a virtual position—all Association and MLS employees are available via phone and/or email during normal operating hours (9am-5pm).

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time and assure you we will do everything we can to provide you with the outstanding services you are accustomed to during this time.

APPOINTMENTS FOR SERVICES

Beginning on May 26, a limited number of staff will report to the building on Tuesdays and Thursdays to fulfill orders from appointment-based requests.

Members may make appointments for services including store purchases, lockbox pickup and limited repair drop-off*. We will employ a curbside pickup approach for the safety of all parties. Products and services will be available for pick up at your designated time in front of the building.

Appointments will be available in 15-minute slots from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

Social distancing practices will be strictly adhered to and all pickup areas will be sanitized by a professional cleaning crew each day.

*lockboxes in need of repair will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before repair and you will be contacted regarding repair status prior to pickup.

EDUCATION OPERATIONS

In-person education classes have been canceled through the month of June. If additional cancellations become necessary, notifications will be sent in a timely manner and CE course updates will continue to be posted on our website.

We have shifted our class schedule to include live virtual classes through zoom, and online opportunities. All required CE can be completed virtually and the LLR has extended the 2020 renewal deadline to September 30.

Given that the threat of the spreading virus remains very real, especially as restrictions begin to ease, we will remain in line with the guidance being offered by the National Association of Realtors and the SC Realtors–that whenever possible, virtual options are utilized, but that the final decision rests with the broker and the client’s preference and should follow all CDC guidelines for proper safety protocols including masks and gloves, as well as following social distancing practices.

When Governor McMaster lifted the “home or work” order, the Governor and state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell “strongly urged anyone considered to be “at-risk” based on CDC guidance to limit exposure to others and for all South Carolinians to continue prioritizing their travels between home and work, when possible. South Carolinians, now more than ever, should be vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities by practicing social distancing and continuing to follow the advice and recommendations from our public health experts.”

We remind you of your ethical duty to protect the public, your clients and we all have a responsibility to protect our communities.

Given the ease of access to technology resources and in light of safety considerations, you may choose to conduct your business virtually during this time.

New Showing Guidance from NAR
As restrictions begin to ease around the country, NAR is providing this attached guidance to assist brokers in formulating guidelines for their businesses and agents in preparation for business in the new normal. NAR continues to encourage members to use virtual showings and limit in-person activity in all other aspects of the transaction as much as possible during the pendency of this crisis, even where in-person showings are allowable by state or local order.

In addition to CHS MLS’ decision to relax specific Rules + Regulations to allow for enhanced use of virtual tools to help users to serve their clients safely, they have added the ability for you to schedule virtual open houses and tours of homes. You can use any online communication service or event tool, such as Facebook, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, to schedule a live online walkthrough of the home. Read more about this powerful new resource.

Other suggestions for best practices to avoid or limit in-person contact:

| Buyers should thoroughly view the pictures online first to see if the home meets their needs. Most listing agents upload enough pictures to get a good idea of what a home looks like.

| Buyers should ask their agent questions that the photos don’t address and the agent should reach out to the listing agent to confirm answers.

What preventative measures may be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19?

The same preventative measures recommended to prevent influenza are also effective in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus.

These measures include:

• Staying home if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other cold or flu-like symptom

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve

What should I do if I have symptoms of coronavirus?

Call your doctor. In non-emergency situations, call your healthcare professional first. Do not visit your doctor or go to the hospital until they tell you to come in. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

MUSC Health has recently developed a secure, virtual care option which will help with infection prevention and control, while allowing patients to receive care without exposing themselves or others to further sickness in the hospital setting.

MUSC Health virtual urgent care is offering free consultations and screenings to anyone experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms located in South Carolina with the promo code COVID19, for both new and existing patients.